Most common 2010 Kia Forte problems
Share of the 221 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Forte complaints by model year
Best Forte years: 2022, 2011, 2016. Years to avoid: 2014, 2017, 2015, 2023. Compare all years →
2010 Kia Forte recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle…
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2010 Kia Forte:
Air bags may be disabled during crash
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2010 Kia Forte owners say
Engine & cooling all 81 →
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte with a five-speed transmission. The contact received notifications for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000(Air Bags) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulics), as well as other manufacturer recalls. The contact made an appointment at a dealer and had the vehicle serviced for the recalls. The contact had to make a second appointment as not all parts were available for the initial appointment. After the contact's second appointment, all recall services were performed, and she was informed that a five-point inspection was also performed on the vehicle. Upon leaving the dealer, the contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle's clutch failed without warning. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to downshift the vehicle and was forced to use her emergency brake to stop the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving and while at a complete stop, she noticed an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light assembly had melted. The mechanic replaced the third brake light assembly; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the valve cover gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The dealer diagnosed that the belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The part was replaced by AAA. The contact stated that the rattling sounds were reduced; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was concerned for her safety. …
Air bags all 41 →
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while stopped at the traffic light, a tractor-trailer crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that no air bags deployed in his vehicle. The contact stated that he sustained back pain. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was still drivable at the scene. Prior to the crash, the dealer was contacted on several occasions to schedule an appointment for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer would reschedule each appointment attempt. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,100.
On August 22nd 2025 my daughter was driving this vehicle and was in a car accident and her front air bags did not deploy. Her passenger side airbags deployed with no passenger but nothing in the front and it was a front collision. Upon receipt of the Paperwork from Copart we learned there was an active recall from 2018 for the front airbags possibly not deploying and resulting in injury during a collision, which is what happened. Her knee and ribs were injured from hitting the steering wheel. The car was declared a total loss from insurance.
Wheels & tires all 28 →
I have had 3 tire pressure monitor stems crack and disappear into the tire causing a flat at 3 separate occasions. The first time was at 38,000 miles, the last 2 were at 76,000 and within a week of each other. I called Kia but they stated I have to have Kia examine them. The first time Kia told me that this just happens and charged me $200. I went to mavis tire the 2nd time and they replaced it for $83. I called Kia today after the 3rd time and they told me to go to the dealer.
I was on the interstate passing an 18 wheeler. My rear passenger side tire blew. The tire caused me to make a sharp right hand turn which threw me under the 18 wheeler. The truck went over the passenger side. I was then thrown into oncoming traffic then into the median. The vehicle is totaled - the air bags did not deploy.
2010 Kia Forte engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 36 / 30 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 34 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 34 / 28 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Kia Forte a good car?
Based on 221 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Forte rates average: 27% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Forte at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Kia Forte?
The engine & cooling — 81 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (41) and wheels & tires (28).
How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Forte have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2010 Kia Forte, the most recent from September 25, 2023 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Forte?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2011 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2017, 2015 and 2023. See the full Kia Forte years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Kia Forte problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 35% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.